Ocala lawmaker poised to joinGOP primary to challenge Grayson

Add another candidate to the crowded Republican primary looking to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando. State Rep. Kurt Kelly, R-Ocala, said Monday that he expects to announce his candidacy in the next several weeks.

"Every indicator is pointing to me jumping in the race," said Kelly, who would be Grayson's first challenger with elected experience. Kelly, a former intern and legislative aide in the Florida House, was elected to the chamber in 2007.

Kelly made news earlier this year when he sponsored a cost-cutting bill that would give Florida schools the option of switching from five-day to four-day weeks. It didn't become law, although he was successful in getting tax breaks for Ocala to help revitalize the city.

A self-described conservative, Kelly said his campaign would highlight the major differences between his policies and those of Grayson.

He specifically pointed to Grayson's opposition to the troop surge in Afghanistan. "Terrorists are there to kill Americans," said Kelly, who said he supports President Barack Obama's plan to send more soldiers.

Kelly likely will face Orlando businessman Bruce O'Donoghue, another Republican who plans to announce his candidacy in the next few weeks.